What is it?
2008 Nissan Pathfinder
What's special about it?
Unlike most midsize SUVs that are getting smaller, slimmer and more fuel-efficient, the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is continuing down its well-worn path of big, boxy and massively powerful.
This year, the big news is an optional V8, a first in the Pathfinder's 22-year history. It's the same mountain of power currently used under the hood of Nissan's full-size Titan truck, but we expect the Pathfinder's V8 will get a toned-down exhaust and less aggressive throttle response to make it a more agreeable carpooler.
Displacing 5.6 liters and delivering over 300 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, the new V8 promises to make the 2008 Pathfinder as fast as anything in its class. It also boosts the Pathfinder's top tow rating to 7,000 pounds. A five-speed transmission is standard while four-wheel-drive versions use a full-time system that automatically distributes power between the front and rear wheels.
If boat-towing torque isn't your thing, the Pathfinder still offers the standard 4.0-liter V6. With 266 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque, the V6 has plenty of juice and uses the same five-speed automatic transmission as the V8. Maximum tow capacity remains at 6,000 pounds for V6 versions of this truck-based SUV.
Exterior upgrades are minimal. The bumpers are new, the hood is a little different and there's some new chrome on the sides. Both the midgrade SE and high-line LE models also feature new wheel designs. Inside, the Pathfinder gets a few minor cosmetic upgrades like a new center stack design and backlit switchgear. There's also a big list of optional technology that includes the usual stuff like a navigation system and Bluetooth connectivity along with a 9.3-gig hard drive and keyless ignition.
What's Edmunds' take?
Since the Pathfinder already has one of the most powerful V6s in the class, the addition of a powerful V8 to the Pathfinder's options list isn't likely to help spur many additional sales. — Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor
2008 Nissan Pathfinder
What's special about it?
Unlike most midsize SUVs that are getting smaller, slimmer and more fuel-efficient, the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is continuing down its well-worn path of big, boxy and massively powerful.
This year, the big news is an optional V8, a first in the Pathfinder's 22-year history. It's the same mountain of power currently used under the hood of Nissan's full-size Titan truck, but we expect the Pathfinder's V8 will get a toned-down exhaust and less aggressive throttle response to make it a more agreeable carpooler.
Displacing 5.6 liters and delivering over 300 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, the new V8 promises to make the 2008 Pathfinder as fast as anything in its class. It also boosts the Pathfinder's top tow rating to 7,000 pounds. A five-speed transmission is standard while four-wheel-drive versions use a full-time system that automatically distributes power between the front and rear wheels.
If boat-towing torque isn't your thing, the Pathfinder still offers the standard 4.0-liter V6. With 266 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque, the V6 has plenty of juice and uses the same five-speed automatic transmission as the V8. Maximum tow capacity remains at 6,000 pounds for V6 versions of this truck-based SUV.
Exterior upgrades are minimal. The bumpers are new, the hood is a little different and there's some new chrome on the sides. Both the midgrade SE and high-line LE models also feature new wheel designs. Inside, the Pathfinder gets a few minor cosmetic upgrades like a new center stack design and backlit switchgear. There's also a big list of optional technology that includes the usual stuff like a navigation system and Bluetooth connectivity along with a 9.3-gig hard drive and keyless ignition.
What's Edmunds' take?
Since the Pathfinder already has one of the most powerful V6s in the class, the addition of a powerful V8 to the Pathfinder's options list isn't likely to help spur many additional sales. — Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor
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